How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Columbus
Make an informed choice by considering the following crucial factors when choosing movers in Columbus.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for a local mover in Columbus is $58. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs approximately $4,224 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include move distance, the season, your home size, and any additional tasks you need done.
You should obtain quotes from three or more movers in your area. Request written estimates that outline the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Take time to read customer reviews on websites such as social media, Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot to identify moving companies with good customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Columbus must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are making a short-haul move that's purely within Georgia, your chosen mover must have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Motor Carrier division.
The requirements differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and note any basic or add-on services you might require. Inform your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to evaluate whether the company can provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide these services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When asking for a quote from your moving company, communicate any services you require. These services may lead to increased pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Columbus, GA
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Columbus.
Schedule an Early Move
Columbus traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. We recommend planning before morning rush hour, which ensures the movers avoid heavy traffic and wrap up the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Columbus' hottest time of year. This can negatively impact your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find a moving company with availability. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers treat same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to start in many cases. You should begin packing about six weeks before your move. Allocate some packing time daily to avoid needing to pack at the last minute.
How Much do Movers Cost in Columbus, GA
Movers in Columbus cost $2,635 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,125 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,635 | $3,084 | $7,125 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,248 | $3,707 | $10,604 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,285 | $4,257 | $10,952 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,197 | $5,322 | $13,089 |
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